During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq 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. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we would love to know random meetings that have stuck with you.
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