During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we would love to know chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
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