In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
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