During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you prefer. Your responses are secure, and are intended for the aim of this article.