In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. 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 with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed 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 attended the interview – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
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