The Compassion of Unknown Individuals: The Way a Person I Only Just Encountered Helped Me Land the Job That Altered My Path

During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me 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 microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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

From making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you prefer. The stories you tell are secure, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.