In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From making your day to transforming your future, we want to hear about random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, anonymously if you wish. Your responses are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
