In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have stuck with you.
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