During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi 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. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we would love to know chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
We invite you to tell us if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you prefer. What you share are secure, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
