In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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