In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting 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 immediately told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
Please share your story if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you choose. Your responses are confidential, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
