During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – 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 dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
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 didn't possess the confidence or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you wish. The stories you tell are confidential, and are intended for the aim of this article.
