During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, 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 microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education 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 full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Please share your story if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you choose. What you share are protected, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
