In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
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