In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you choose. The stories you tell are confidential, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
