During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From making your day to changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have stuck with you.
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