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In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering 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 gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?

From cheering you up to transforming your future, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.

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