During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
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