During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we want to hear about random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, anonymously if you choose. The stories you tell are protected, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
