During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – 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. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, 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 role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, keeping your details private if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
