In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. 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 brightening your mood to changing your life, we want to hear about chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you wish. Your responses are confidential, and are intended for the aim of this article.
