During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know 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 showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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