🔗 Share this article

In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?

Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.

Please share your story if you are of legal age, anonymously if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.