In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we would love to know random meetings that have stuck with you.
We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you choose. Your responses are secure, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
