During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish 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 multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, anonymously if you wish. Your responses are protected, and will only be used the aim of this article.
