In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion 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 informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in 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 benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you choose. The stories you tell are secure, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
