During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, 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 handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you wish. Your responses are confidential, and are solely for the aim of this article.
