During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – 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 did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, 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.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you choose. The stories you tell are confidential, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
