In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, 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 just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him 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 let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
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