During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Please share your story if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you prefer. What you share are protected, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
