During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering 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 science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. 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 Shown for You?
From cheering you up to transforming your future, we are interested in random meetings that have stuck with you.
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