In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane 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 took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
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