During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in 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 benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
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