During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
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