In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me 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 straight off informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you choose. What you share are protected, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
