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In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

Critically, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?

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

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