During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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