In the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. 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 led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
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