In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Please share your story if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you choose. The stories you tell are protected, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
