During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me 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 newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know 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 showed up for the discussion – but right away told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, anonymously if you prefer. What you share are secure, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
