In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained 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 research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told 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 showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
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