In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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