During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have stuck with you.
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