In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering 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. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you prefer. Your responses are protected, and are intended for the aim of this article.
