During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position 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.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, keeping your details private if you choose. Your responses are protected, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
