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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition 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 identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?

From making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.

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