During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to changing your life, we want to hear about chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
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