During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student 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 gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
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