In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
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