During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and informed 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 went to the meeting – but immediately told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
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