During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the courage or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we would love to know chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Please share your story if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you wish. Your responses are confidential, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
