In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we want to hear about chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
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