During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you prefer. Your responses are secure, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
