During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you wish. What you share are confidential, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
