During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, anonymously if you wish. The stories you tell are confidential, and are solely for the aim of this article.
