During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. 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 showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you wish. Your responses are protected, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
