In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
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