During the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we want to hear about chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, anonymously if you wish. Your responses are secure, and are intended for the aim of this article.
