In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in 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 kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
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