During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you choose. The stories you tell are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
