During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you prefer. What you share are confidential, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
