During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, anonymously if you wish. What you share are protected, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
