During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – 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 worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
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