In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student 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 made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to 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 responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
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