During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, 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 always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to transforming your future, we are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you prefer. What you share are protected, and are intended for the aim of this article.
