During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research 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 proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
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