During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, keeping your details private if you wish. Your responses are secure, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
