In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, 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 encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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 transforming your future, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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