In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close 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 chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From making your day to changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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