During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to changing your life, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you prefer. The stories you tell are confidential, and are intended for the aim of this article.
