In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering 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. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
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