During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
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