During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From making your day to changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you prefer. The stories you tell are confidential, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
