In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me 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 electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
Please share your story if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you prefer. What you share are protected, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
