🔗 Share this article

During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?

From making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have left a lasting impression.

Please share your story if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you choose. What you share are confidential, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.