During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the courage or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you wish. Your responses are secure, and will only be used the aim of this article.
