During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called 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.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away 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 city where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?
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