During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
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