During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq 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 scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying 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 night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
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