An Compassion of People We Don't Know: How a Man I Barely Knew Assisted Me Land the Job That Changed My Life

In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?

From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.

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