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During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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

Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have stuck with you.

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