During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying 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, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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