During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student 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 taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
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