In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we want to hear about random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, anonymously if you wish. The stories you tell are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
