During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have 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 Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
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