In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
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