In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you wish. The stories you tell are confidential, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
