In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we want to hear about chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Please share your story if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
