During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit 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 laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Please share your story if you are 18 or over, keeping your details private if you wish. The stories you tell are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
