During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door 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 laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
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