During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual 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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