In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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