During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
Please share your story if you are of legal age, anonymously if you choose. The stories you tell are secure, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
