An Generosity of Strangers: How a Person I Only Just Encountered Assisted Me Obtain the Position That Altered My Path

During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role 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 following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. 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 don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

What's more, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.

Tell us about 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 are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.

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