In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
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