In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
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