In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory 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?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you prefer. What you share are confidential, and are solely for the aim of this article.
