During the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed 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 attended the interview – but straight off informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
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