In the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn 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 transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
Please share your story if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
