In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know 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 with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
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