During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know 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 right away explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you wish. Your responses are secure, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
