During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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