During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, 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 an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
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