In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position 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.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you choose. What you share are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
