In the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Please share your story if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you wish. The stories you tell are confidential, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
