During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
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