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During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?

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