In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. 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. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to transforming your future, we would love to know random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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