In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. 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 transforming your future, we want to hear about random meetings that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you wish. What you share are protected, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
