In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course 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 brightening your mood to altering your path, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you choose. Your responses are protected, and will only be used the aim of this article.
