During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you wish. Your responses are confidential, and are intended for the aim of this article.
