During the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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