In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you choose. The stories you tell are confidential, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
