In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From making your day to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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