In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you choose. Your responses are protected, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
