During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
From making your day to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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