🔗 Share this article

In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane 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 took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?

Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.

Please share your story if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you choose. What you share are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.