In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you choose. The stories you tell are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
