In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research 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 proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you prefer. What you share are confidential, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
