In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
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