During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
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