During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting 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 straight off explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
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