In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you wish. What you share are confidential, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
