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In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft 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 postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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

From brightening your mood to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have stuck with you.

Please share your story if you are an adult, anonymously if you choose. The stories you tell are confidential, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.