During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained 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 Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is 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 random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
Please share your story if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you wish. Your responses are secure, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
