During the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion 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 interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you prefer. The stories you tell are secure, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
