In the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
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