In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. 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?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, anonymously if you prefer. What you share are secure, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
