In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin 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 science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing 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 night. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you choose. Your responses are confidential, and are solely for the aim of this article.
