During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
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