In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you choose. Your responses are secure, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
