During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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