In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped 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 paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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