During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student came up 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 attended the interview – but right away explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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