During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring 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 graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have stuck with you.
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