In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in random meetings that have stuck with you.
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