In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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