In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising 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 always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you prefer. The stories you tell are confidential, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
