During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to transforming your future, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
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