During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
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