During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, 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.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path 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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