In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, 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.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe 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 redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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