During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
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