During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
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