In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Please share your story if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you wish. The stories you tell are confidential, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
