In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief 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 tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we want to hear about chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, anonymously if you wish. The stories you tell are secure, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
