In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and told 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 right away told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes 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 name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
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