During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. 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. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you choose. The stories you tell are confidential, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
