In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
Please share your story if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you choose. What you share are secure, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
