During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on 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 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall 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 director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had always wanted 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 role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to changing your life, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
Please share your story if you are an adult, anonymously if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
