In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
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