During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq 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. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
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