In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to reach out 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 free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we would love to know chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you choose. Your responses are secure, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
