In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know 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 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.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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