During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies 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 suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition 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 identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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