During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out 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 proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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