During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
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