During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?
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