In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
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