During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
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