During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. 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. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
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