In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin 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 science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
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