In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we would love to know chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Please share your story if you are an adult, anonymously if you prefer. Your responses are secure, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
