An Generosity of Unknown Individuals: How a Man I Had Just Met Assisted Me Land the Role That Changed My Life

In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?

From cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have stuck with you.

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