During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we want to hear about random meetings that have stuck with you.
Please share your story if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you wish. What you share are confidential, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
