🔗 Share this article

In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role 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 came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.

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

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?

From cheering you up to changing your life, we want to hear about chance encounters that have remained in your memory.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you prefer. The stories you tell are secure, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.