In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, 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 eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you choose. The stories you tell are secure, and will only be used the aim of this article.
