In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next 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 head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
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