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During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?

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