In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From making your day to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, keeping your details private if you prefer. The stories you tell are secure, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
