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During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We got to the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him 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 electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

What's more, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?

From cheering you up to altering your path, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.

We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you wish. The stories you tell are secure, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.