During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight 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 seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to transforming your future, we want to hear about random meetings that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you wish. Your responses are confidential, and are intended for the aim of this article.
