In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately told my host 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 said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition 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 full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person 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 Once Performed for You?
Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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