In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
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