During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq 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 recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student approached me and let me know 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 went to the meeting – but straight off told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education 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 full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, anonymously if you choose. Your responses are confidential, and are intended for the aim of this article.
