In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
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