During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Please share your story if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you choose. Your responses are confidential, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
