During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes 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 identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
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