The Kindness of Strangers: How a Gentleman I Only Just Encountered Supported Me Obtain the Role That Transformed My Existence

During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and told 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 attended the interview – but immediately told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?

Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.

We invite you to tell us if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you choose. The stories you tell are confidential, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.