During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, anonymously if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and are intended for the aim of this article.
