During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – 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. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising 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 Shown for You?
Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have stuck with you.
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