During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. 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 also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have stuck with you.
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