An Kindness of Unknown Individuals: How a Man I Barely Knew Supported Me Obtain the Role That Transformed My Existence

During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We got to the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?

From brightening your mood to altering your path, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you prefer. What you share are protected, and will only be used the aim of this article.