During the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
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