During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you choose. What you share are confidential, and are intended for the aim of this article.
