In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
Please share your story if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you choose. The stories you tell are confidential, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
