In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing 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 came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, keeping your details private if you wish. The stories you tell are secure, and are intended for the aim of this article.
