During the late 1980s, I was beginning 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 planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you prefer. What you share are secure, and are intended for the aim of this article.
