During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position 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, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away told my interviewer 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 said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe 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 benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
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