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

During the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

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

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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

Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.

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