In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. 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 led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you prefer. What you share are secure, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
