In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university 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 tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you wish. What you share are protected, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
