In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you wish. The stories you tell are confidential, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
