During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight 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 earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
From making your day to changing your life, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you prefer. What you share are confidential, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
