During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
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