During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to transforming your future, we would love to know random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, keeping your details private if you wish. Your responses are confidential, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
