In the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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