In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student approached 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 went to the meeting – but right away informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
Please share your story if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you prefer. The stories you tell are protected, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
