In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked 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 let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
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