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In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” 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 also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.

Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory 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 transforming your future, we are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.

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 aim of this article.