During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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