In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
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