In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student 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 taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft 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 master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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