In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to 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 right away told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. 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 job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising 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 Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you choose. What you share are protected, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
