During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – right next door 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 dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
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