In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
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