In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering 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. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance 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 selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in random meetings that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you choose. Your responses are protected, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
