In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi 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 gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
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