In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside 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 just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university 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 gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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 want to hear about unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you wish. Your responses are protected, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
