In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. 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 went to the meeting – but immediately told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. 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 no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed 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 resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
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