🔗 Share this article

In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building 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, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – 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. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.

Critically, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual 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 changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have left a lasting impression.

We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you wish. The stories you tell are secure, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.