During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, 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.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
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