During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. 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?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you wish. What you share are secure, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
