In the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we want to hear about chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you wish. What you share are protected, and are intended for the aim of this article.
