In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, anonymously if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
