In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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