During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland 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 benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Please share your story if you are an adult, anonymously if you prefer. What you share are secure, and are intended for the aim of this article.
