In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
Please share your story if you are 18 or over, keeping your details private if you choose. Your responses are secure, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.