In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished 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 why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
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