During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you choose. The stories you tell are protected, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
