During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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