In the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. 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?
From making your day to transforming your future, we would love to know random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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