During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory 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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