In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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