🔗 Share this article

During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know 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 explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

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

I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?

Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.

Please share your story if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you wish. The stories you tell are confidential, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.