During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, 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, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you prefer. The stories you tell are confidential, and will only be used the aim of this article.
