In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
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