In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview 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 didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
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