During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview 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 straight off explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
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