In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, 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 called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, 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 position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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