In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. 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 got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. 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 cheering you up to transforming your future, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you wish. The stories you tell are secure, and are intended for the aim of this article.
