In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path 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 brightening your mood to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have stuck with you.
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