During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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