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During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We got to the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly 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 after dark. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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

From cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.

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