During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me 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 attended the interview – but straight off told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
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