In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over 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 gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
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