During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we would love to know random meetings that have stuck with you.
We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you choose. Your responses are secure, and are intended for the aim of this article.
