During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know random meetings that have stuck with you.
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