During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, 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 forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
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