In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From making your day to changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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