In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering 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 made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
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