During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we want to hear about chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you prefer. The stories you tell are secure, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
