During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” 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 also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you wish. The stories you tell are protected, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
