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During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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

Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.

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