During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering 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. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
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