During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
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