In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we would love to know random meetings that have stuck with you.
Please share your story if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you choose. The stories you tell are secure, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
