During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies 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 the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage 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 selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
Please share your story if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you wish. The stories you tell are secure, and will only be used the aim of this article.
