In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means 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 now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, anonymously if you prefer. Your responses are secure, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
