In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program 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 using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
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