In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining 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 evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city 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 was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have 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 eternally thankful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
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