During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
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