During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual 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 are interested in unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
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