In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion 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 informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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