The Compassion of Unknown Individuals: How a Person I Had Just Met Supported Me Secure the Role That Transformed My Existence

During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.

Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?

From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.

We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and will only be used the aim of this article.