During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you wish. What you share are confidential, and are solely for the aim of this article.
