In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned 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 recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off 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 anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger 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 changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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