During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. 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 conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know random meetings that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you prefer. What you share are confidential, and are intended for the aim of this article.
