During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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