In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in random meetings that have stuck with you.
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