In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq approached 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 taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you wish. The stories you tell are protected, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
