During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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