In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion 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 got to the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview 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 immediately explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you wish. What you share are confidential, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
