During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him 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 evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – 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. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and will only be used the aim of this article.