In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. 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 attended the interview – but straight off told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall 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 reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
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