During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for 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.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we want to hear about chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Please share your story if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you choose. The stories you tell are protected, and are intended for the aim of this article.
