During the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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