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During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.

Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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

From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.

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