During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and informed me 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 went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
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