In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
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 was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you wish. Your responses are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
