In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job 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 ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
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