During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed 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 explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “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 used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
From cheering you up to transforming your future, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you choose. What you share are secure, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
