During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
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 proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, anonymously if you wish. What you share are confidential, and are intended for the aim of this article.
