During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
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