During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
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 lacked the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you prefer. The stories you tell are confidential, and will only be used the aim of this article.
