During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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