During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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