In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering 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 degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From making your day to transforming your future, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
Please share your story if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you wish. What you share are confidential, and are intended for the aim of this article.
