In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, 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 told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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