In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
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 explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about 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, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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