In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree 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 degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over 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 straight off informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
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