During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
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