In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student 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. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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