In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
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