During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, 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.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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