In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. 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. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
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