During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I shared 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 electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position 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 following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you prefer. What you share are confidential, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
