In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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