During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because 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 reached the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. 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 job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. 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 Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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