During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to changing your life, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you wish. The stories you tell are secure, and will only be used the aim of this article.
