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In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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

Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we would love to know random meetings that have stuck with you.

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