During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
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