During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
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