In the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you wish. Your responses are protected, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
