During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. 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 Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we want to hear about chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
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