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During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?

From brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.

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