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During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. 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. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Critically, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?

From brightening your mood to changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have left a lasting impression.

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