In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you prefer. Your responses are protected, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
