In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
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