The Compassion of Unknown Individuals: How a Man I Had Just Met Helped Me Secure the Job That Transformed My Existence

In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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

From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we want to hear about random meetings that have left a lasting impression.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, anonymously if you wish. What you share are secure, and are intended for the aim of this article.