During the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility 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 job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Please share your story if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you prefer. Your responses are protected, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
