In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “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. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
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