In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit 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 went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. 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.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, 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 eternally thankful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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