In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, anonymously if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
