In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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