During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
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 amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to changing your life, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you prefer. The stories you tell are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
