During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. 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 cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Please share your story if you are of legal age, anonymously if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
