During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
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