In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
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