An Kindness of People We Don't Know: How a Person I Had Just Met Assisted Me Land the Position That Transformed My Existence

During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Critically, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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

Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have left a lasting impression.

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