In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day 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 set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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 stuck with you.
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