In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger 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 cheering you up to transforming your future, we would love to know chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
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