🔗 Share this article

During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We got to the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an research lab 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 laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of 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 contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

What's more, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, 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 forever grateful.

Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?

Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we want to hear about chance encounters that have remained in your memory.

Please share your story if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you choose. Your responses are secure, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.