During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you choose. The stories you tell are protected, and will only be used the aim of this article.
