During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
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 told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory 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 altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you choose. The stories you tell are protected, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
