In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to transforming your future, we are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
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