During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Please share your story if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you prefer. The stories you tell are secure, and are intended for the aim of this article.
