During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall 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 right away told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you wish. The stories you tell are confidential, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
