In the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
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