In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, 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. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, anonymously if you prefer. The stories you tell are protected, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
