During the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that 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.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
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