During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
From making your day to changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you choose. What you share are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.