During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached 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 cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From making your day to transforming your future, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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