During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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