In the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my prospective employer 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 responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, anonymously if you prefer. What you share are confidential, and will only be used the aim of this article.
