During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you choose. The stories you tell are confidential, and will only be used the aim of this article.
