During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger 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 are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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