In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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