In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly 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 man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you choose. The stories you tell are protected, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
