In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received 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 identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the courage or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
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