During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. 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 Shown for You?
From cheering you up to transforming your future, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you prefer. The stories you tell are secure, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
