In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you wish. The stories you tell are protected, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
