During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student 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 showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Please share your story if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you wish. Your responses are protected, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
