🔗 Share this article

During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program 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 science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, 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 paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?

Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.

Please share your story if you are of legal age, anonymously if you choose. The stories you tell are secure, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.