In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. 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 Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
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