During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you prefer. Your responses are secure, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
