During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone 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 educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
Please share your story if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you prefer. What you share are secure, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
