In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
