In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
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