During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know 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 went to the meeting – but right away informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Please share your story if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you prefer. The stories you tell are confidential, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
