During the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual 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 cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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