During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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