During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
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 held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Please share your story if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you prefer. What you share are secure, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.