During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. 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 Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
Please share your story if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you wish. Your responses are secure, and are intended for the aim of this article.
