In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about 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, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you choose. The stories you tell are secure, and are intended for the aim of this article.
