During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for 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 ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, keeping your details private if you prefer. The stories you tell are confidential, and are intended for the aim of this article.
