During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition 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 changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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