In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq 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. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger 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?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, keeping your details private if you wish. Your responses are protected, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
