In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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