During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have 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 Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, keeping your details private if you wish. The stories you tell are secure, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
