In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq approached 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 attended the interview – but immediately told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – 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 worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you wish. Your responses are secure, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
