During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, anonymously if you wish. What you share are confidential, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
