In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
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