In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “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. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you wish. What you share are confidential, and are intended for the aim of this article.
