During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq 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 scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close 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 heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we are interested in 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 wish. The stories you tell are protected, and are solely for the aim of this article.
