In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, 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 now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
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