During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen 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. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
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