During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing 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 after dark. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
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