During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, 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 informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you wish. The stories you tell are secure, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.