In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Please share your story if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you choose. The stories you tell are protected, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
