During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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