In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to changing your life, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
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