In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you wish. The stories you tell are protected, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
