In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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