In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
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