During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
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