During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job 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 name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, 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 forever grateful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
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