During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
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