During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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