In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to 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 made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual 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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