During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
