In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we want to hear about chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Please share your story if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you wish. The stories you tell are confidential, and are intended for the aim of this article.
