During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
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