During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
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