In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you choose. What you share are confidential, and are intended for the aim of this article.
