In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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