During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion 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 explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” 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 used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. 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?
From making your day to changing your life, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
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