In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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