In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my friend 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 graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you wish. What you share are confidential, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
