During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia 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 using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, anonymously if you choose. Your responses are secure, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
