During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him 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 recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university 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. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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