During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it 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 wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, anonymously if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
