During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland 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 redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you wish. What you share are protected, and are intended for the aim of this article.
