An Kindness of Unknown Individuals: How a Gentleman I Only Just Encountered Helped Me Land the Job That Altered My Path

In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York 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 conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

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 proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I met 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 forever grateful.

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

Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you wish. What you share are secure, and are solely for the aim of this article.