During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, anonymously if you wish. Your responses are secure, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
