During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student walked over to 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 attended the interview – but immediately explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you choose. What you share are protected, and will only be used the aim of this article.
