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During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We got to the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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

Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we want to hear about random meetings that have stuck with you.

We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you choose. The stories you tell are secure, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.