In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered 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 forever grateful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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