During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. 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 Shown for You?
From making your day to changing your life, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
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