During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained 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 university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition 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 selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
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