During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
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