In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
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