During the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview 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 told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you choose. What you share are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
