In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
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