In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city 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 held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe 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 forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
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