In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting 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 told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger 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 making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
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