In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
From making your day to changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you prefer. Your responses are secure, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
