During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
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