During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have stuck with you.
We invite you to tell us if you are 18 or over, keeping your details private if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
