During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
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