In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
