During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we are interested in chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you choose. Your responses are protected, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
