During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
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