In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi 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 made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
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