In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
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