During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we are interested in random meetings that have stuck with you.
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