In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
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