In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
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