During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program 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 degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you wish. The stories you tell are confidential, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
