In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
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