During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
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