During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended 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 following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you choose. Your responses are secure, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
