In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – 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. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
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