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During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a role 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 went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?

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