During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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