In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
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, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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