During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek 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.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering 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. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, 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. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you prefer. Your responses are protected, and will only be used the aim of this article.
