In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
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