During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
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