In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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