During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received 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 can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger 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 cheering you up to transforming your future, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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