In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you wish. Your responses are protected, and will only be used the aim of this article.
