In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you wish. The stories you tell are secure, and are intended for the aim of this article.
