During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. 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. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off 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 opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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