During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you choose. The stories you tell are protected, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
