During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi 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. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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