In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted 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 don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
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