In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
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