In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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