In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering 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 explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to changing your life, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you prefer. The stories you tell are protected, and are solely for the aim of this article.
