In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering 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. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
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