During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we want to hear about random meetings that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you choose. Your responses are confidential, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
