During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition 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 identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in random meetings that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you prefer. The stories you tell are secure, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
