During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
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