During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed 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 earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to transforming your future, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Please share your story if you are 18 or over, keeping your details private if you prefer. What you share are confidential, and are intended for the aim of this article.
