During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student 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. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you prefer. The stories you tell are secure, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
