During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him 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 after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, anonymously if you choose. Your responses are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
