During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. 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 also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From making your day to transforming your future, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, anonymously if you choose. The stories you tell are secure, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
