The Generosity of Unknown Individuals: How a Gentleman I Had Just Met Helped Me Obtain the Position That Altered My Path

In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.

Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

Critically, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.

Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?

Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.

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