During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. 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 no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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