During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have stuck with you.
We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you wish. Your responses are secure, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
