In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you wish. Your responses are confidential, and are solely for the aim of this article.
