In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student walked over to 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 went to the meeting – but immediately told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
Please share your story if you are of legal age, anonymously if you prefer. The stories you tell are confidential, and are intended for the aim of this article.
