During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course 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 changing your life, we want to hear about chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
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