During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. 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 Ever Done for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have stuck with you.
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