During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. 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 Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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