In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, anonymously if you choose. Your responses are secure, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
