During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off 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 after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
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