During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because 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.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
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