🔗 Share this article

During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi 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 immediately explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. 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 Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?

Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we want to hear about chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you prefer. Your responses are secure, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.