During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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