During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
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