During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, 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 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 three years. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood 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 an adult, anonymously if you wish. Your responses are secure, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
