During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have 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.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
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