In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
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