In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you wish. Your responses are protected, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
