During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
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