In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have stuck with you.
We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you choose. The stories you tell are protected, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
