During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have stuck with you.
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