In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered 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 Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we would love to know random meetings that have stuck with you.
We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you wish. The stories you tell are secure, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
