In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him 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 the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have stuck with you.
Please share your story if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you prefer. What you share are secure, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
