During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
Please share your story if you are of legal age, anonymously if you choose. What you share are secure, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
