During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, anonymously if you choose. The stories you tell are protected, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
