During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
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