During the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
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