During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. 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 gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you wish. What you share are secure, and are solely for the aim of this article.
