In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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