In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
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