In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have 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 Shown for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are 18 or over, keeping your details private if you wish. The stories you tell are protected, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
