During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek 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 next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. 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. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, anonymously if you choose. The stories you tell are secure, and are intended for the aim of this article.
