🔗 Share this article

During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.

Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – 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 city where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Critically, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?

From making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in random meetings that have stuck with you.

We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you wish. Your responses are confidential, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.