During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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