In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
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