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Tech District, CA 94105
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An Compassion of People We Don't Know: How a Person I Barely Knew Helped Me Secure the Position That Transformed My Existence
During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped 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 position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we would love to know random meetings that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you wish. What you share are protected, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
Jennifer Hernandez
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