In the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Please share your story if you are of legal age, anonymously if you wish. The stories you tell are confidential, and are intended for the aim of this article.
