During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From making your day to changing your life, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
We invite you to tell us if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you wish. Your responses are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
