In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Please share your story if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you wish. The stories you tell are protected, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
