In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know 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 attended the interview – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you prefer. The stories you tell are protected, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
