During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person 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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