In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have stuck with you.
Please share your story if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you choose. Your responses are protected, and are intended for the aim of this article.
