In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
Please share your story if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you wish. Your responses are secure, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
