In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
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