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During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?

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