In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you wish. The stories you tell are protected, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
