In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have stuck with you.
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