During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory 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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