🔗 Share this article

During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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

From brightening your mood to changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.

We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, anonymously if you wish. Your responses are secure, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.