In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
We invite you to tell us if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you wish. Your responses are protected, and are intended for the aim of this article.
