In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
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