During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, 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 did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student came up to 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 attended the interview – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
Please share your story if you are an adult, anonymously if you wish. The stories you tell are confidential, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
