During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program 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 scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about 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 remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you wish. The stories you tell are protected, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
