During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you prefer. What you share are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
