In the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got 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 am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you choose. The stories you tell are confidential, and are solely for the aim of this article.
