During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. 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 was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, 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 role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
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