During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Please share your story if you are 18 or over, keeping your details private if you wish. Your responses are secure, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
