During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. 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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