In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered 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 always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you wish. Your responses are protected, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
