During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq 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 showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
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