In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
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