During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. 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 Ever Done for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Please share your story if you are 18 or over, keeping your details private if you wish. The stories you tell are protected, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
