In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
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