During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes 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 identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you choose. What you share are secure, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
