During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
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