In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree 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 degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” 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 free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
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