During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background 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 ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we are interested in random meetings that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you wish. Your responses are secure, and are intended for the aim of this article.
