In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the courage or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
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