During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
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