In the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview 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 informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you wish. The stories you tell are secure, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
