During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you choose. Your responses are protected, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
