In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to 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 everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, anonymously if you wish. What you share are secure, and are solely for the aim of this article.
