During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to 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 shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, anonymously if you choose. What you share are confidential, and will only be used the aim of this article.
