During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. 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 lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
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